The Iranians are “not but prepared to truly acknowledge and work via the President’s calls for”, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance mentioned in an interview final week. On Sunday (February 22, 2026), Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s particular envoy for West Asia and his chief negotiator with Iran, mentioned the President was “curious” on why Iran had not capitulated beneath American strain. Mr. Trump is questioning “why, beneath this strain, with the quantity of sea energy and naval energy over there, why haven’t they arrive to us and mentioned, ‘we profess we don’t desire a weapon, so right here’s what we’re ready to do?’” mentioned Mr. Witkoff.
These remarks underscore rising frustration inside the Trump administration over its incapacity to extract vital concessions from Tehran, regardless of substantial U.S. navy build-up close to Iran’s shores, together with the deployment of two plane service strike teams.
The U.S. and Iran have held two rounds of talks since tensions escalated in January, however no breakthrough has been achieved. Oman, which is mediating oblique negotiations between the 2 sides, has confirmed {that a} third spherical will happen in Geneva on February 26.
Additionally Learn | Witkoff reiterates U.S. purple traces; Pezeshkian indicators optimism
Combined indicators
Mr. Trump has repeatedly warned that he may resort to power if Iran fails to succeed in a deal. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and International Minister Abbas Araghchi have mentioned Iran is for a “truthful and equitable” settlement on its nuclear programme, however have rejected Washington’s coercive techniques. The U.S. has despatched combined indicators about its goals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned earlier this month that the U.S. wished discussions to cowl not simply Iran’s nuclear programme, but additionally its missile programme, its help for non-state actors in West Asia and its “therapy” of its personal individuals. In accordance with Mr. Witkoff, the President has given him and Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son-in-law who can be a part of the negotiating crew, a transparent route that Iran ought to cease enrichment and comply with switch its stockpile of extremely enriched uranium in a foreign country.
The Iranians have thus far, at the least publicly, resisted each units of calls for. They are saying they’re prepared to speak concerning the nuclear programme, however solely concerning the nuclear programme. Even on the nuclear programme, Iran says it might not quit its “proper” to peaceable enrichment, and prime officers, together with Ali Larijani, have resisted requires transferring its enriched uranium stockpile.
Additionally Learn | U.S. envoy says Trump questioning why Iran has not ‘capitulated’
Final deterrent
“Iran won’t be able to abandon its missile programme,” mentioned a safety analyst based mostly in Tehran, who didn’t wish to be named. “Even when Iran reaches a cope with the U.S. over its nuclear programme, Israel would nonetheless name it a risk. If Iran agrees to give up its ballistic missiles in the present day to avert struggle with the U.S., Israel will bomb Iran anyway a number of months down the road. So the query Iranians ask themselves is why ought to they provide up their final deterrent?” he mentioned.
In 2015, Iran agreed to put limits on its nuclear programme and open its amenities for inspection as a part of the Joint Complete Plan of Motion (JCPOA). Iran remained in compliance with the settlement till Donald Trump, in his first time period as President, unilaterally withdrew the U.S. out of it in Might 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. In 2020, the U.S. assassinated Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Power and one of the vital distinguished navy figures within the Islamic Republic. In 2025, Iran was technically in talks with the U.S. over its nuclear programme when Israel bombed the nation on June 13. Just a few days later, the U.S. joined Israel’s struggle and struck Iran’s nuclear amenities. Mr. Trump then claimed that the U.S. assaults had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme.
“These back-to-back setbacks to the diplomatic choice appears to have satisfied the chief that diplomacy doesn’t work,” a Tehran-based diplomat advised The Hindu, referring to Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “ There’s some stress inside the system, although the state is holding agency, for now. Reformists (led by President Pezeshkian and Mr. Aragchi) nonetheless imagine a deal could possibly be attainable if it averts struggle and the U.S. agrees to raise at the least some sanctions. The Iranians is perhaps open to creating concessions on enrichment and enriched uranium. Nevertheless it additionally is dependent upon what the White Home has to supply. The hardliners are watching when the talks are unfolding.”
Additionally Learn | President Donald Trump denies prime U.S. officer warned of Iran strike dangers
Iran’s leverage
A struggle, by most accounts, could be disastrous for Iran, which is already grappling with inner pressure amid a deepening financial disaster. The U.S. wields overwhelming firepower, with dozens of fighter jets and warships deployed to the area. But, Iran has its personal leverage. It possesses 1000’s of ballistic missiles able to placing American bases and property throughout the area, in addition to Israel. Iran may additionally disrupt or block cargo site visitors via the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial worldwide maritime chokepoint.
In his second time period, Mr. Trump has attacked a number of international locations, however he was additionally proven warning about getting entangled in a long-drawn conflicts. There isn’t any assure he may swiftly conclude a struggle with Iran, notably as Tehran has repeatedly vowed to retaliate forcefully in opposition to any assault. Nor can Washington maintain an elevated troop presence in West Asia indefinitely, notably because the U.S. is making ready to carry midterm elections later this yr.
“Iran needs to keep away from struggle, however not at any value,” mentioned the Tehran-based safety analyst. “If the U.S. is pursuing gunboat diplomacy via a navy build-up together with talks, Iran is responding in type — speaking whereas making ready for struggle.”
Revealed – February 24, 2026 06:20 pm IST
